CA3008160C - Fuel cell stack housing - Google Patents
Fuel cell stack housing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3008160C CA3008160C CA3008160A CA3008160A CA3008160C CA 3008160 C CA3008160 C CA 3008160C CA 3008160 A CA3008160 A CA 3008160A CA 3008160 A CA3008160 A CA 3008160A CA 3008160 C CA3008160 C CA 3008160C
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- Prior art keywords
- fuel cell
- cell stack
- housing
- section
- side wall
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- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 112
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052729 chemical element Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002737 fuel gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000376 reactant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 206010052804 Drug tolerance Diseases 0.000 description 1
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 hydrogen ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001234 light alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/247—Arrangements for tightening a stack, for accommodation of a stack in a tank or for assembling different tanks
- H01M8/2475—Enclosures, casings or containers of fuel cell stacks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
- H01M8/1004—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/247—Arrangements for tightening a stack, for accommodation of a stack in a tank or for assembling different tanks
- H01M8/248—Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
- H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Fuel Cell (AREA)
Abstract
Fuel cell stack housing (1) comprising at least a bottom section (13) and a first and a second side wall (11; 12), which are spaced apart by the bottom section (13), wherein the housing(1) is adapted to house a fuel cell stack(2) and comprises at least one fastening element (3), which is engaged with the first and the second side wall (11; 12), wherein at least the first side wall (11) of the housing (1) has a flat section (11-1) and an arched section (11-2) extending in direction of the second side wall (12), and wherein a maximum possible distance between the arched section (11-2; 12-2) and the bottom portion (13) defines an inner height (hi) of the fuel cell stack housing (1), where in the inner height (hi) of the fuel cell stack housing (1) is adjustable, as well as a fuel cell stack assembly (100) comprising a fuel cell stack (2) encased by such a housing (1).
Description
Fuel cell stack housing Description [0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack housing according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
[0002] Fuel cells allow a hydrogen-containing fuel gas and an oxygen-containing reactant gas such as air to electrochemically react with each other, so that electric power is produced. The fuel cell is basically structured with a membrane that se-lectively transports hydrogen ions and is sandwiched between two electrodes, i.e.
an anode and a cathode. The assembly of membrane and the electrodes is usual-ly referred to as membrane electrode assembly ("MEA"). A fuel cell stack usually comprises a plurality of stacked membrane electrode assemblies, which are sepa-rated by bipolar plates.
an anode and a cathode. The assembly of membrane and the electrodes is usual-ly referred to as membrane electrode assembly ("MEA"). A fuel cell stack usually comprises a plurality of stacked membrane electrode assemblies, which are sepa-rated by bipolar plates.
[0003] The bipolar plates are electrically conductive separators for mechanically clamping the MEA, and for establishing electrical connection in series between adjacent MEAs. Each bipolar plate comprises a plurality of gas flow channels for supplying the corresponding electrode with the fuel gas and the reactant gas, and is further adapted to carry away generated water or excess gas. A structure body in which the MEAs are clamped between the bipolar plates is referred to as the unit fuel cell.
[0004] At both ends of the fuel call stack, the bipolar plates are formed as end-plates, which clamp the fuel cell stack. For maintaining the stacked configuration and the for preventing leakage between the unit fuel cells, a preferably uniform compression force is applied to the fuel cell stack, which is adapted to press the unit fuel cells together. For maintaining the compression, fasteners such as metal bands or bolts are provided, or the fuel cell stack is accommodated in a housing. Whereas bands and housings encase the fuel cell stack, bolts interact with the endplates and hold the unit fuel cells in place.
[0005] The disadvantages of the known assemblies are various. In case the fuel cell stack is fastened by bolts, the endplates are provided with bolt holes and need to provide a sufficient strength for maintaining the compression force. This in turn results in locally varying stresses in the fuel cell stack, which may damage the fuel cell stack. The same applies for the metal bands, which are also unsuitable for providing a homogenous stress in the fuel cell stack.
[0006] For avoiding the negative aspects of the bolt holes or metal bands, it has also been proposed, to use housings which accommodate the fuel cell stack as such.
However this approach leads to another problem, as the proposed housings are one-size only.
The fuel cells stack, however, differs in its size due to the stacked configuration of unit fuel cells.
Therefore, also the stress applied to the fuel cell stack in the one-size housing varies. This may even result in situations, in which the fuel cell stack suffers from leakage (insufficient stress) or in which the fuel cell stack is damaged (excessive stress).
However this approach leads to another problem, as the proposed housings are one-size only.
The fuel cells stack, however, differs in its size due to the stacked configuration of unit fuel cells.
Therefore, also the stress applied to the fuel cell stack in the one-size housing varies. This may even result in situations, in which the fuel cell stack suffers from leakage (insufficient stress) or in which the fuel cell stack is damaged (excessive stress).
[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a housing for accommodating a fuel cell stack, which provides a uniformly distributed stress in the fuel cells stack, without damaging parts of the fuel cell stack.
[0008] In one embodiment the object is solved by providing a fuel cell stack housing wherein the bottom section and the side walls have interlocking elements, which engage and fix the bottom section to the side walls.
[0009] In the following a fuel cell stack housing comprising at least a bottom section and a first and a second side wall, which are spaced apart by the bottom section, is disclosed. The housing is further adapted to encase a fuel cell stack and comprises at least one fastening element, which is engaged with the first and the second side wall. Further at least the first side wall of the housing has a flat sec-23882552.2 tion and an arched section, wherein the arched section extends in direction of the second side wall. Thereby, a maximum possible distance between the arched sec-tion and the bottom section defines an inner height of the fuel cell stack housing.
For providing an accommodation of the fuel cell stack which maintains a uniform applicable compression of the fuel cell stack, even if the overall size of the fuel cells varies due to its composition from the plurality of unit fuel cells, the inner height is adjustable. The height adjustment allows for an accommodation of the fuel cells, which may be adapted to the varying dimensions of the fuel cell stack.
Thereby, the fuel cell stack may be accommodated in the housing without damage due to an increased stress or without deterioration of the sealing between the unit fuel cells due to insufficient stress.
For providing an accommodation of the fuel cell stack which maintains a uniform applicable compression of the fuel cell stack, even if the overall size of the fuel cells varies due to its composition from the plurality of unit fuel cells, the inner height is adjustable. The height adjustment allows for an accommodation of the fuel cells, which may be adapted to the varying dimensions of the fuel cell stack.
Thereby, the fuel cell stack may be accommodated in the housing without damage due to an increased stress or without deterioration of the sealing between the unit fuel cells due to insufficient stress.
[0010] Preferably, the height adjustment is induced by a tightening level of the at least one fastening element. Thereby, the housing may be pre-manufactured as standard housing which may be adapted to the individual fuel cell stack. An indi-vidual manufacturing of the housing after having determined the required height is not necessary.
[0011] According to a further preferred embodiment, the tightening level is con-tinuously or stepwise adjustable. This allows for a very precise adjustment to the different height requirements of the fuel cell stack, which in turn provides an opti-mized accommodation with optimal compression force maintenance. Hence, for example, the fastening element may have a first fastening level which provides a minimal inner height and at least a second fastening level, which provides an in-termediate inner height, wherein the intermediate inner height is between the min-imal inner height and the inner height in an unfastened condition.
[0012] It is further preferred if the first side wall and the second side wall have flat side sections and arched sections, wherein the arched sections extend in direction of each other but are separated from each other by a gap. It should be noted that the gap is also present if only one of the side walls has an arched section.
Further, it is preferred that the at least one fastening element spans the gap between the arched sections or the arched section and the side wall, respectively.
Consequent-ly, the disclosed height adjustment may be achieved by increasing or decreasing the size of the gap between the arched sections of the housing, which may be achieved by tightening the fastening element to a greater or lesser extent.
Further, it is preferred that the at least one fastening element spans the gap between the arched sections or the arched section and the side wall, respectively.
Consequent-ly, the disclosed height adjustment may be achieved by increasing or decreasing the size of the gap between the arched sections of the housing, which may be achieved by tightening the fastening element to a greater or lesser extent.
[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment, the side walls, particularly the arched sections of the side walls, provide flange elements protruding from the housing onto which the fastening elements are attached. This allows for a conven-ient application of fastening elements, as for example screws or bolts to the arched section of the housing.
[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, the flat side section and the arched section of at least one side wall are integrally formed or are permanently joined together. Thereby, the overall number of elements for the housing may be reduced, which in turn may accelerate the assembling process of the housing it-self.
[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the bottom section is de-tachably coupled to the side walls. This facilitates the accommodation process of the fuel cell stack into the housing since the side walls and the fastening elements may be pre-assembled. Subsequently, the housing is loaded with the fuel cell stack in a preassembled condition and is then accomplished with the bottom sec-tion.
[0016] Preferably, the bottom section and the side walls have interlocking ele-ments, engaging each other and fixing the bottom section to the side walls.
This allows for a swift assembling process of the bottom section to the side walls.
This allows for a swift assembling process of the bottom section to the side walls.
[0017] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a fuel cell stack assem-bly comprising a fuel cell stack accommodated in a fuel cell stack housing as de-fined above. Further, the fuel cell stack comprises a first endplate and a second endplate between which a plurality of unit fuel cells is arranged. Thereby, it is pre-ferred if the first endplate is arranged in parallel to the bottom section of the hous-ing, and the second endplate is arrange in vicinity of the arched section/s of the side walls. It should be noted that even if the bottom section and the arched sec-tion are named as bottom and top section, the housing with the fuel cell stack may also be arranged sideways, so that the bottom and top section would be presented as sides of the fuel cell stack assembly.
[0018] It is further preferable to provide a pressing plate, which is arranged be-tween the second endplate and the at least one arched section of the side wall.
Thereby, the pressure applied to the fuel cell stack is uniformly distributed to the endplate and to the unit fuel cells.
Thereby, the pressure applied to the fuel cell stack is uniformly distributed to the endplate and to the unit fuel cells.
[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, a resilient element, prefera-bly at least one spring, is arranged between the pressing plate and the second endplate of the fuel cell stack. Also, the resilient element compensates stress ine-qualities.
[0020] Further a shape of the pressing plate may resemble a shape of the arched section of the side wall, which also increases the homogeneity of the stress distri-bution to the fuel cell stack.
[0021] Further advantages and preferred embodiments are disclosed in the claims, the description and the figures. It should be further noted that a person skilled in the art may combine the presented features otherwise than indicated without extending the scope of the invention.
[0022] In the following, the present invention will be described by means of em-bodiments shown in the figures. The shown embodiments are exemplarily, only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The scope of protection is solely defined by the attached claims.
[0023] The figures show:
Fig. 1: a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a fuel cell stack assembly;
Fig. 2: a front view of the fuel cell stack assembly shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 3: a perspective view of the fuel cell stack assembly of Fig. 1 and 2 with partly removed housing.
Fig. 1: a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a fuel cell stack assembly;
Fig. 2: a front view of the fuel cell stack assembly shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 3: a perspective view of the fuel cell stack assembly of Fig. 1 and 2 with partly removed housing.
[0024] In the following same a similar functioning elements are indicated with the same reference numerals.
[0025] Figs. 1 to 3 show various illustrations of a preferred embodiment of fuel cell stack assembly 100, comprising a housing 1 which encases a fuel cell stack 2.
Thereby, Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view and Fig. 2 a front view of the assem-bled fuel cell stack assembly 100, whereas Fig. 3 shows the fuel cell stack assem-bly 100 with a partly removed housing 1.
Thereby, Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view and Fig. 2 a front view of the assem-bled fuel cell stack assembly 100, whereas Fig. 3 shows the fuel cell stack assem-bly 100 with a partly removed housing 1.
[0026] As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, the fuel cell stack housing 1 has a first side wall 11 and a second side wall 12, which are separated by a bottom section 13 which is designed as bottom plate. The first and second side walls 11, 12 each comprises a flat section 11-1, 12-1 and an arched section 11-2, 12-2, which are, in the illustrated embodiment, integrally formed. As can be further seen, the arched sections 11-2, 12-2 extent in direction to each other but remain separated from each other by a gap 14.
[0027] This gap 14 is spanned by fastening elements 3 which are illustrated as bolt-nut-systems in the presented embodiment. For attaching the fastening ele-ments 3 to the arched sections 11-2, 12-2 of the side walls 11, 12, the arched sec-tions 11-2, 12-2 are designed with flanges 15, 16 which extend from the housing 1.
The flanges 15, 16 are arranged at the free ends of the arched sections 11-2, and extend outwardly from the housing 1.
The flanges 15, 16 are arranged at the free ends of the arched sections 11-2, and extend outwardly from the housing 1.
[0028] As mentioned above, the fastening elements 3 are designed as bolt-nut systems with two cylindrically shaped nuts 31, 32 which accommodate a bolt 33.
As can be further seen from Figs. 1 to 3 the flanges 15, 16 are slightly curved for accommodating and securing the cylindrically shaped nuts 31, 32 of the fastening elements 3. Through the cylindrically shaped nuts 31 and 32 bolts 33 are screwed so that the gap 14 may be more or less closed depending on a tightening level of the bolts 33 in the nuts 31, 32.
As can be further seen from Figs. 1 to 3 the flanges 15, 16 are slightly curved for accommodating and securing the cylindrically shaped nuts 31, 32 of the fastening elements 3. Through the cylindrically shaped nuts 31 and 32 bolts 33 are screwed so that the gap 14 may be more or less closed depending on a tightening level of the bolts 33 in the nuts 31, 32.
[0029] Depending on the tightening level of the fastening elements 3 an inner height hi which corresponds to the maximum possible distance between the bot-tom section 13 and the arched top section 11-2, 12-2, may be adjusted. Hence, it is possible to decrease the inner height by tightening the fastening elements 3 and thereby by decreasing the size of the gap 14. This height adjustment provide the possibility to adjust the housing 1 individually to the accommodated fuel cell stack 2, so that a uniform and optimum pressure may be maintained in the fuel cell stack.
[0030] As mentioned above, due to the composition of the fuel cell stack from unit fuel cells comprising a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) sandwiched between two bipolar plates, the overall dimensions of the fuel cell stack may vary slightly.
These dimensional variations may result therein that the pressure maintained by the fuel cell stack housing is not optimal for the accommodated fuel cell stack. This may even result in situations where the fuel cell stack is damaged due to exces-sive stress or leaks due to insufficient stress. With the described adjustable hous-ing 1 such imperfections are overcome, as the inner height hi of the housing may be adjusted by tightening the fastening elements 3 to the desired level and thereby adjusting the opening level of the gap 14, which in turn defines the available inner height hi.
These dimensional variations may result therein that the pressure maintained by the fuel cell stack housing is not optimal for the accommodated fuel cell stack. This may even result in situations where the fuel cell stack is damaged due to exces-sive stress or leaks due to insufficient stress. With the described adjustable hous-ing 1 such imperfections are overcome, as the inner height hi of the housing may be adjusted by tightening the fastening elements 3 to the desired level and thereby adjusting the opening level of the gap 14, which in turn defines the available inner height hi.
[0031] As further illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, the fuel cell stack 2 is terminated by a first endplate 21 and a second endplate 22. Thereby, the first endplate 21 is ar-ranged in parallel to the bottom section 13 of the fuel cell stack housing 1.
The second endplate 22 in turn is arranged in parallel to the arched sections 11-2, 12-2 of the side walls 11, 12 of the fuel cell stack housing 1.
The second endplate 22 in turn is arranged in parallel to the arched sections 11-2, 12-2 of the side walls 11, 12 of the fuel cell stack housing 1.
[0032] It is further illustrated that between the arched sections 11-2, 12-2 and the second endplate 22 a so called pressure plate 23 and between the pressure plate 23 and the second endplate 22 resilient members in the form of springs 24 are arranged. The pressure plate 23 and the springs 24, respectively, allow for an even distribution of a pressure force to the endplate 22. Thereby, also local stresses in the fuel cell stack 2 can be avoided.
[0033] As is depicted in Fig. 2 and the detail of Fig. 2a the bottom section 13 is not integrally formed with the side walls 11, 12 of the fuel cell stack housing 1 but is detachably designed. For detaching the bottom section 13 from the side walls 11, 12 interlocking elements 17, 18 are provided in the side walls 11, 12 and the bottom section 13, respectively. By these interlocking elements 17, 18 the bottom section 13 may be snapped into the side walls 11, 12, or, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the side walls 11, 12 may be slid on the interlocking element 18 of the bottom sec-tion 13.
[0034] As can be further seen from Fig. 3, the fastening elements 3 may be at-tached to the side walls 11, 12 after the side walls have been placed in place. As obvious for a person skilled in the art it is also possible to use different fastening elements than the illustrated bolt-nut-systems. The illustrated bolt-nut-systems in turn have the advantage that the cylindrically formed nuts may fit snugly into the curved flanges 15, 16 so that the curved flanges 15, 16 also prevent the bolts and the nuts from detaching.
[0035] Advantageously, the presented fuel cell stack housing provides easy tol-erance compensation to varying dimensions of fuel cell stacks by the possibility to adjust the inner height of the fuel cell stack housing. This may be achieved by dif-ferent tightening levels of the fastening elements. Further, the casing has a low weight and the endplates are opposed to low stress. The housing, particularly the side walls may be made from aluminum or another light alloy wherein the integra-tion of attachment points, such as the openings for the fastening elements or the flanges, are easily provided during an extrusion process. The side walls them-selves may be integrally formed or may also be designed in a two-part form which are fused together for example by friction stir welding. Moreover, the outer assem-bly dimensions may be maintained even if the housing is adjusted to a varying length of the fuel cell stack. The provided gap between the arched sections of the fuel cell stack housing has the further advantage that the fuel cell stack can be accommodated into the housing with a compression force still applied by a stack press, wherein the fastening elements are pre-tightened before the compression force is released.
Reference signs 100 fuel cell stack assembly 1 fuel cell stack housing 11, 12 side walls 11-1, 12.1 flat sections of the side walls 11-2, 12-2 arched sections of the side walls 13 bottom section 14 gap 15, 16 flanges 17, 18 interlocking elements 2 fuel cell stack 21 first endplate 22 second endplate 23 pressure plate 24 spring elements 3 fastening elements 31, 32 cylindrically formed nuts 33 bolts
Reference signs 100 fuel cell stack assembly 1 fuel cell stack housing 11, 12 side walls 11-1, 12.1 flat sections of the side walls 11-2, 12-2 arched sections of the side walls 13 bottom section 14 gap 15, 16 flanges 17, 18 interlocking elements 2 fuel cell stack 21 first endplate 22 second endplate 23 pressure plate 24 spring elements 3 fastening elements 31, 32 cylindrically formed nuts 33 bolts
Claims (13)
1. Fuel cell stack housing (1) comprising at least a bottom section (13) and a first and a second side wall (11; 12) , which are spaced apart by the bottom section (13), wherein the housing (1) is adapted to house a fuel cell stack (2) and comprises at least one fastening element (3), which is engaged with the first and the second side wall (11; 12), wherein at least the first side wall (11) of the housing (1) has a flat section (11-1) and an arched section (11-2) extending in direction of the second side wall (12), and wherein a maximum possible distance between the arched section (11-2; 12-2) and the bottom portion (13) defines an inner height (hi) of the fuel cell stack housing (1), characterized in that the arched section (11-2) and the second side wall (12) are separated from each other by a gap (14), wherein the at least one fastening element (3) spans the gap (14) between the arched section (11-2) and the second side wall (12), and wherein the inner height (hi) of the fuel cell stack housing (1) is adjustable and the height adjustment is induced by a tightening level of the at least one fastening element (3).
2. Fuel cell stack housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tightening level is continuously or stepwise adjustable.
3. Fuel cell stack housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side wall (11) and the second side wall (12) have flat side sections (11-1; 12-1) and arched sections (11-2; 12-2), wherein the arched sections (11-2; 12-2) extend in direction of each other but are separated from each other by the gap (14).
4. Fuel cell stack housing (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one fastening element (3) spans the gap (14) between the arched sections (11-2; 12-2) of the side walls (11, 12).
5. Fuel cell stack housing (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the side walls (11; 12), and/or the arched sections (11-2; 12-2) of the side walls (11; 12), 23882548.3 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-10-19 CA 3,008,160 Blakes Ref: 21740/00009 provide flange elements (15; 16) protruding from the housing (1) onto which the at least one fastening element (3) is attached.
6. Fuel cell stack housing (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the flat side section (11-1; 12-1) and the arched section (11-2; 12-2) of at least one side wall (11; 12) are integrally formed or are permanently joined together.
7. Fuel cell stack housing (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the bottom section (13) is detachably coupled to the side walls (11; 12).
8. Fuel cell stack housing (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the bottom section (13) and the side walls (11; 12) have interlocking elements (17; 18), which engage and fix the bottom section (13) to the side walls (11;12).
9. Fuel cell stack assembly (100) comprising a fuel cell stack (2) accommodated in a fuel cell stack housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fuel cell stack (2) comprises a first endplate (21) and a second endplate (22) between which a plurality of unit fuel cells is arranged, wherein the first endplate (21) is arranged in parallel to the bottom section (13) of the housing (1).
10. Fuel cell stack assembly (100) according to claim 9, wherein a pressing plate (23) is provided, which is arranged between the second endplate (22) and the at least one arched section (11-2; 12-2) of the side wall (11; 12).
11. Fuel cell stack assembly (100) according to claim 10, wherein a resilient element (24) is arranged between the pressing plate (23) and the second endplate (22) of the fuel cell stack (2).
12. Fuel cell stack assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein the resilient element (24) is at least one spring.
23882548.3 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-10-19 CA 3,008,160 Blakes Ref: 21740/00009
23882548.3 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-10-19 CA 3,008,160 Blakes Ref: 21740/00009
13.
Fuel cell stack assembly (100) according to claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein a shape of the pressing plate (23) resembles a shape of the arched section (11-2; 12-2) of the side walls (11; 12).
23882548.3 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-10-19
Fuel cell stack assembly (100) according to claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein a shape of the pressing plate (23) resembles a shape of the arched section (11-2; 12-2) of the side walls (11; 12).
23882548.3 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-10-19
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1650092-8 | 2016-01-27 | ||
| SE1650092A SE540633C2 (en) | 2016-01-27 | 2016-01-27 | Fuel cell stack housing |
| PCT/SE2016/051308 WO2017131569A1 (en) | 2016-01-27 | 2016-12-22 | Fuel cell stack housing |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3008160A1 CA3008160A1 (en) | 2017-08-03 |
| CA3008160C true CA3008160C (en) | 2021-06-08 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3008160A Active CA3008160C (en) | 2016-01-27 | 2016-12-22 | Fuel cell stack housing |
Country Status (10)
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| US (1) | US10749203B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3408887B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP6707648B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR102138242B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN108475805B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3008160C (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1256566A1 (en) |
| SE (1) | SE540633C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017131569A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA201803903B (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019219439A1 (en) | 2018-05-12 | 2019-11-21 | Daimler Ag | Improved enclosed fuel cell stack row |
| DE102018210170A1 (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2019-12-24 | Audi Ag | fuel cell stack |
| FR3087953B1 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2021-07-02 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICE INCLUDING AN ELECTROCHEMICAL ASSEMBLY PROVIDED IN A CONTAINMENT ENCLOSURE |
| EP3921887B1 (en) | 2019-02-07 | 2023-11-22 | EH Group Engineering AG | Fuel cell stack with compression means |
| CN112913062B (en) * | 2019-07-16 | 2021-11-23 | Fcp燃料电池动力系统股份有限公司 | Fuel cell system and integrated back plate for fuel cell module |
| DE102019215886A1 (en) | 2019-10-16 | 2021-04-22 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel cell unit |
| CN113839067B (en) * | 2020-06-08 | 2024-07-05 | 马勒国际有限公司 | Humidification device for transferring water from exhaust gas stream to supply air of supply gas stream |
| DE102021202175A1 (en) | 2021-03-05 | 2022-09-08 | Ekpo Fuel Cell Technologies Gmbh | fuel cell device |
| US11746427B2 (en) | 2021-07-05 | 2023-09-05 | EvolOH, Inc. | Scalable electrolysis cell and stack and method of high-speed manufacturing the same |
| SE546371C2 (en) * | 2022-08-03 | 2024-10-15 | Powercell Sweden Ab | Electric cell stack assembly |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5975576A (en) | 1982-10-21 | 1984-04-28 | Toshiba Corp | Fuel cell |
| JP4083303B2 (en) * | 1998-08-19 | 2008-04-30 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| JP4043421B2 (en) * | 2003-08-22 | 2008-02-06 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Fuel cell device |
| US7641999B2 (en) * | 2004-08-27 | 2010-01-05 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel cell stack |
| US7807316B2 (en) * | 2006-11-01 | 2010-10-05 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Fuel cell stack compression retention system with external springs |
| US7851102B2 (en) * | 2007-06-14 | 2010-12-14 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Fuel cell stack compression retention system using overlapping sheets |
| EP2280442A4 (en) * | 2008-05-19 | 2014-12-03 | Panasonic Corp | Fuel cell and method for diassembling the same |
| GB2464274A (en) * | 2008-10-07 | 2010-04-14 | Intelligent Energy Ltd | Fuel Cell Assembly |
| US8871405B2 (en) * | 2009-02-05 | 2014-10-28 | Panasonic Corporation | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack |
| US20110244355A1 (en) | 2010-04-01 | 2011-10-06 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Fuel cell stack compression enclosure apparatus |
| US9413028B2 (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2016-08-09 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel cell stack |
| GB2499417A (en) * | 2012-02-15 | 2013-08-21 | Intelligent Energy Ltd | A fuel cell assembly |
| GB2499412A (en) * | 2012-02-15 | 2013-08-21 | Intelligent Energy Ltd | A fuel cell assembly |
| GB2509152A (en) | 2012-12-21 | 2014-06-25 | Intelligent Energy Ltd | Fuel Cell Stack Assembly and Method of Assembly |
-
2016
- 2016-01-27 SE SE1650092A patent/SE540633C2/en unknown
- 2016-12-22 KR KR1020187017802A patent/KR102138242B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2016-12-22 CN CN201680079365.5A patent/CN108475805B/en active Active
- 2016-12-22 JP JP2018538817A patent/JP6707648B2/en active Active
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- 2016-12-22 WO PCT/SE2016/051308 patent/WO2017131569A1/en active Search and Examination
- 2016-12-22 EP EP16829328.0A patent/EP3408887B1/en active Active
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2018
- 2018-06-12 ZA ZA2018/03903A patent/ZA201803903B/en unknown
- 2018-12-06 HK HK18115641.1A patent/HK1256566A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP3408887B1 (en) | 2019-08-14 |
| ZA201803903B (en) | 2019-03-27 |
| SE540633C2 (en) | 2018-10-09 |
| CN108475805B (en) | 2021-06-11 |
| US10749203B2 (en) | 2020-08-18 |
| HK1256566A1 (en) | 2019-09-27 |
| EP3408887A1 (en) | 2018-12-05 |
| JP2019503568A (en) | 2019-02-07 |
| KR102138242B1 (en) | 2020-07-27 |
| JP6707648B2 (en) | 2020-06-10 |
| WO2017131569A1 (en) | 2017-08-03 |
| KR20180084994A (en) | 2018-07-25 |
| CN108475805A (en) | 2018-08-31 |
| US20180375144A1 (en) | 2018-12-27 |
| SE1650092A1 (en) | 2017-07-28 |
| CA3008160A1 (en) | 2017-08-03 |
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